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This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Body found at fire in northern LA County near where 19-year-old went missing
An autopsy is pending on a burned body discovered Wednesday morning along Lake Hughes Road near Castaic Lake, not far from where authorities had been searching for missing 19-year-old college student Bryce Laspisa from Laguna Niguel.
Los Angeles County Fire Inspector Anthony Akins says firefighters stumbled on the body while responding to a call of a small brush fire.
"Upon arrival, first engine had a small spot that they identified and quickly extinguished. During the extinguishment, they found a body at the location and immediately requested the response of law enforcement," Akins said.
Investigators say the body was too badly damaged to even determine whether it was a man or a woman.
In the meantime, the search continues for Laspisa. He's been missing since Friday afternoon. The Cypress College student was driving from northern California to visit his parents in Laguna Niguel when he disappeared.
Laspisa's overturned SUV was discovered near Castaic Lake, with his cell phone, laptop and wallet still inside.
This story has been updated.